The Australian Society of Cosmetic Chemists (ASCC), supported by L’Oréal Research & Innovation, is thrilled to launch the Sustainability Challenge at IFSCC 2026 in Perth, Australia.
 

Startups and academics are invited to bring forward bold, science-backed innovations that can move the cosmetics industry faster toward a more sustainable future.
 

Key dates to keep in mind! 

• Application opens March 2nd: 8h00 Perth Time

• Application deadline May 29th: 8h00 Perth time

• Challenge day:  At the congress. Tuesday 29 September 2026 during lunch break – Room M7

 

Applications now open. 

 

Why apply?

• GET SEEN! Pitch your innovation in front of an international audience of industry experts, potential investors, partners and key decision-makers present at IFSCC. It is a great opportunity for dedicated exposure across IFSCC, ASCC and L’Oréal R&I channels.

• NETWORK! Connect with researchers, brands, and suppliers shaping the next generation of cosmetic science.

• GET REWARDED! The winner gets a one-year ASCC membership (including access to the IFSCC website), a dedicated winner post on IFSCC Congress and ASCC social media and a ticket to IFSCC 2027 in Basel, Switzerland.

 

What is it about? 

Bring forward sustainable technologies, engineering solutions, or design innovations that can make the cosmetics industry more responsible and environmentally conscious. Examples of topics: sustainable sourcing, green formulations, resource-efficient manufacturing, water-saving solutions, biomimicry, next-gen packaging and many other advances.
 

Are you eligible?

It is open to startups and academic research groups. A startup is typically an early-stage company built on innovation with high growth potential. Large corporations are not eligible.
 

How to apply?

Submit a PDF presentation in english (max 7 slides) covering:  

• Team / Organization overview  

• Project & innovation: objectives, originality, development stage, feasibility  

• Sustainability impact (clear, measurable when possible)  

• Key challenges & next steps

• Applications now open. 

 

How are you selected?

Applications will be reviewed anonymously by a jury of sustainability experts. Selection criteria include novelty, potential scope of application, and maturity of the solution.

 

D-Day format

Each finalist will:  

• Deliver a 2-minute pitch on stage  

• Join a 45-minute informal networking session to showcase the innovation, engage with delegates, answer questions, and convince the jury in person.

 

 

 

TERMS & CONDITIONS

Participation and Eligibility:

• Entrants should be available to attend the IFSCC Congress in Perth, Australia on September 29th, 2026. On the day the Finalist will have access to the Room M7 for free but not to the rest of the exhibition => So we strongly encourage them to register conference to take benefits of larger exposure to the society and the evenings event for networking

• Mandatory In-Person Attendance: Selected finalists must be present to showcase their innovation in person. Remote presentations are not accepted.

• Eligible Participants: The competition is open to startups, academic/research groups, individuals. Large corporations are not eligible. (A startup is typically a company in its early stages, characterized by high growth potential and innovation.)

•  Language: All application materials and presentations must be in English. Non-English submissions will be disqualified.

 

Entry Requirements:

• The entry should have elements that can be demonstrable on the day—either using prototypes in a tabletop space or through other formats like digital media. If using digital media, entrants must provide their own devices for display.

• Application Materials: A PowerPoint presentation (maximum 7 slides) is required. This presentation must include:
  - Team/Organization Overview
  - Project Description and Innovation: objectives, originality of the product/technology, level of development, feasibility of the project
  - Showcase the sustainability Impact
  - Expected challenges & Next steps

 

Judging and Selection:

• Anonymous Judging: Candidates will be reviewed anonymously by a panel of judges with expertise in sustainable innovation. They will assess based on novelty, scope of application, and stage of advancement. Following this review, finalists will be selected to present their research work at the IFSCC on September 29th, 2026.

• On the day of the challenge, from the finalists, a winner will be selected and announced by the jury.

 

Timeline and Showcase:

• The Sustainability Challenge will be held on September 29th, 2026, during the IFSCC Congress in Perth, Australia.

• Showcase Format: Selected finalists will have a short (2-minute) pitch to the audience. Then, it will be followed by a longer, informal Q&A and networking session, with a dedicated tabletop space so the finalists can present innovations to attendees and the jury.

 

Organization and Support:

• The challenge is organized by the Australian Society of Cosmetic Chemist (ASCC), in partnership with L'Oréal Research & Innovation.

• The organizers reserve the right to amend, modify, and change these rules and interpret the entries as they see fit.

• By entering the showcase challenge, all participants and winners agree to have the legal capacity to enter the showcase and agree to the entry criteria.  
   

 

By applying, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to abide by all the terms and conditions outlined above for the IFSCC 2026 Sustainability Challenge.

 

Applications now open.